Using a mix of theological reflection, sociological analysis, case studies and personal experience, this book explores ways forward for mission in a rural context in both traditional and fresh expressions of church. It offers insights into issues facing rural England and explores the nature of mission with reference to the rural situation.

An impressive line up of contributors first asks what counts as a ‘fresh expression’ and who decides. Part 1 explores what postmodern ways of viewing the world means for the way churches explore truth and uncertainty, and tradition as an evolving rather than a static enterprise. Part 2 uses real examples to examines who attends ‘fresh expressions’ and what it incarnational theology looks like in practice. Part 3 considers the implications for clergy training and whether there is a case for making ‘pioneer ministry’ a discrete type.

Fresh Expressions of Church are most significant development in the Church of England. Parishes are the mainstay of the 'inherited church'. The authors demonstrate that the traditions of the parish church represent ways in which time, space, community are ordered in relation to God and the gospel.

Helps readers to explore the concept of discipleship beginning with the New Testament, and through examining snapshots of various patterns of discipleship as well as reflecting on discipleship in our contemporary context and setting.

In 2004 Mission-shaped Church presented a challenge to church leaders. Now Mission-Shaped Questions addresses the big theological and practical issues that have arisen.Drawn from a range of Anglican and Methodist backgrounds, the highly-respected contributors take an incisive look at church and its future. They tackles questions such as:What exactly is church? Can we develop churches that can transform culture? Can we be mission-shaped and kingdom-focused too?These contributions are an essential read for anyone committed to the future of church and mission.

The essays brought together here present a broad assessment of the serious issues facing rural life and the rural church today. The authors are drawn from the Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal Churches. The essays explore a wide range of biblical, theological, sociological, and historical concerns and topics. Throughout, the book is informed by a spirit of listening - to church-goers, clergy, church leaders, and local communities. Rural Life and Rural Church provides an invaluable resource for clergy and lay Christians involved in rural ministry, initial and continuing ministerial education, and Christian men and women living in the countryside.

For a long time, it looked as if the idea of the local and therefore of place seen as locality seemed to have lost its relevance. Much of the church lost any sense that geographical context matters. Yet that tendency to pull people out of their context has played to a consumerist mentality that sees church more as a consumer choice than a genuine community. Now, a shift seems to be underway that values locality much more - a resurgence of interest in the parish and the importance of the church’s presence in community. In "The Place of the Parish" Martin Robinson explores this shift, considering how it is manifested in a variety of contexts, rural, inner-city, Anglican and independent. Drawing on specific examples linked to the so-called ‘New Parish Movement’, he demonstrates how a theology of place is made manifest in the mission of the church today.

During the 20th Century, Sunday school attendance fell from 55% to only 4% of children. Mission-shaped Children will show you how to turn this statistic around. The book outlines the many obstacles that are currently preventing growth in children’s work in the Church, and suggests practical and effective strategies for overcoming these.